Possibilities to Use the Computerized Assessments for Identifying the Effort Capacity and Managing the Functional Exertion in Motor Activities

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of diagnosing the capacity of effort in persons who practice leisure motor activities, for an appropriate management of the effort, corresponding to their functional capacity and level of adaptation to the type of demand. In this sense, three protocols of computerized testing can be used, which are applicable to those engaged in activities of the sports for all type, such as: jogging, swimming, triathlon, long distance skiing, mountain climbing, cycling, etc., in which aerobic endurance represents an important component. The first protocol of computerized assessment involves the VO2 max Test, which represents the measure of the aerobic power criterion. This method refers to the measurement of maximum oxygen uptake by indirect calorimetry, unlike other aerobic fitness tests through which this component is but estimated. It also can be achieved the direct measurement of maximum heart rate, by recording the heart rate during testing. Because this is a maximal test which necessitates a certain level of physical preparation, it is not recommended to persons with health problems, injuries or low levels of cardiovascular fitness. The second protocol of computerized assessment is the Bruce Stress Test, which is generally used on the treadmill, as an effort test meant to investigate the cardiovascular capacity. The main benefit of this assessment tool is the identification of the fitness level by means of the cardiac function. This protocol also presents a modified variant, which starts from an exercise volume smaller than the standard test, and is commonly used for the elderly or the sedentary persons. The third protocol of computerized assessment is the Quark CPET, through which the body's physiological response to the effort is identified and which has high quality components of super-quick analysis that ensure an incomparable accuracy, reliability and also a real analysis. In conclusion, we consider that the utilization of these tests for identifying and measuring the cardiovascular fitness among persons practicing leisure motor activities allows: identification of the efficiency of different instruction methods through which the capacity of aerobic and anaerobic is developed; monitoring the energetic costs of diverse motor activities; determining the efficiency of the biomechanics of motion when performing motor skills such as walking and running; monitoring the energetic cost in the case of some routine activities. We underline the increased spreading of computerized devices for monitoring the body's response to the effort in the development of leisure motor activities by the followers of the leisure motor activities, as an evidence of their interest in the efficiency of the chosen activities and in surpassing their own body's limits related to the demanding effort.